Soccer team bans high-fives amid flu fears

Athletes told not to shake hands, fist bump each other

UPDATED 10:07 AM EST Jan 16, 2013

The flu claims a new victim in New York -- high fives.

That's right, a kids soccer club in Manhattan has put the kibosh on high fives, hand shaking, fist bumps or other type of congratulatory hand touching to avoid spreading the flu, the New York Post reported.

New York declared a flu emergency over the weekend amid a spike in flu hospitalizations. Nearly 20,000 flu cases had been reported through Monday, WCBS reported.

While banning high fives may seem a bit extreme, Manhattan Soccer Club parents were all for the restrictions.

"It shows that (the club) is on top of what is going on with the flu outbreak, and they have come up with a great solution that shows good sportsmanship while also reducing the chance of transferring the flu," parent Andy Stenzler told the Post.

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